Months of waiting, discussing, and mocking came to an end on Thursday night as the Minnesota Vikings took their quarterback of the future in J.J. McCarthy. It was a wild first 10 pick. Despite the team’s attempts to move up for Drake Maye, the New England Patriots took the North Carolina youngster and the Vikings were forced to sit and wait. When The Atlanta Falcons surprised everyone by taking Michael Penix Jr., the Purple’s hand was forced. A quick trade later and Minnesota made MCCarthy the fifth quarterback taken through 10 picks.
McCarthy, a winner at every level, will now have the chance to prove himself in what is arguably the NFL’s best situation for a young quarterback. A pure competitor with an intense approach, the former national champion had been lauded for his team-first mentality in the months leading up to the draft. Kevin O’Connnell is now tasked with proving he is the quarterback guru that everyone believes him to be.
The trade also saw the New York Jets and Vikings swap a fourth- and fifth-rounder for a sixth-rounder. Stay here for all updates on the first round.
